Powered stencil machine



Aug. 15, 1950 H. w. HEMPEL ETAL 2,518,77

POWERED STENCIL MACHINE Filed May 27, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 //v l EA/ 7'0 25 f/EEEEBT m l/EMPEL WAL raw 0. News,

Aug. 15, 1950 H. W. HEMPEL ETAL POWERED STENCIL MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 27, 1946 Wm. To/v C. M825 Byron/l5? 0 Q H. w. HEMPEL ET AL 2,518,778

POWERED STENCIL MACHINE Filed May 27, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 7 2% f I I MM Jw gba Aug. 15, 1950 H. w. HEMPEL ET AL 2,518,778

POWERED STENCIL MACHINE Filed May 27, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. 15, 1950 H. w. HEMPEL ETAL 2,518,778

POWERED STENCIL MACHINE Filed May 27, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 L2; L "Li" "2%." 2 m I 2/ 1950 H. w. HEMPEL ET AL 2,518,778

POWERED STENCIL MACHINE Filed May 27, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 ,246 254 270 557 m 25 I 244 265- 374 273 272 ,Z66 26a Patented Aug. 15, 1950 12,518,778 POWERED STENCIL MACHINE .Herbert W. Hempel and Walton'C. 'Marsh,'Belleville, IlL, .assignors to MarshStencil Machine "Company, Belleville, 111., 'a'corporation-of'lllinois Application May 27, 1946, Serial No. 672,478

24 Claims. '1

The present invention relates generally to powered cutting devices, and more particularly to .an .improved stencil cutting machine electrically .controlledandpowered. by a suitable elec tric.-motor orthe'like. .Thepresent construction isl-aniimprovement over .our stencil machine disclosed. and claimed-in United States'Letters Pa ent.No..2,293,339,granted August 18, 1942.

;An objectof the presentlinvention is to providea.novelpowere'dstencil machine which is adaptedtocut stencil letters accurately at a high rate..of...speed.

Another object is to .provide a novel powered stencil machine whichis adapted to speed up the production obtained by manually operated stencil;machines, and in which the cutting work is accomplished .as a result of button pushing, or .theilikafinstead .of manual handle action, thereby liminatingoperator fatigue.

Another objectis to provide a novel powered stencil machine which'is constructed to block the normal stencil cutting operation in the event the 'diesare not,properly located for stencil letter cutting.

.JAnother objectis to provide a novel powered stencil machine which is constructed to prevent repeated cutting action or repeated spacing shouldthepower operatingbuttons, or the like, beheld or jammed in a position closing the associated electrical contacts.

-Another obiectis .to provide a novel powered stencil 'machine which is constructed for one :cycle operation .upon the closing of ya provided cycle initiation switch.

"Other objects are'to providea novel powered stencil machine which is sturdily constructed and 1 adapted to "function efiiciently throughout a long period of usage, which includes cushioned linkagestandotheroperatingpartsto prevent damage and to-reduce noise in "the stencil cutting operat-in,WhiCh"iS simplein its construction, thereby facilitating manufacture, which is adapted to be operated "by-a userwith maximum accuracy and efliciency after a minimum of instruction, and

"which'isgrelative-ly' inexpensive to produce.

:m'ove'dthere'from;

i3.isa"rear levational view of the machine;

. 2 Fig. '4'is afragmentary front e1evational---view of the machine similar to Fig. 2 but with the punch depressed;

Fig. '5 isa fragmentary vertical sectional=view through the punch pressing and feedmechanism of the. machine'takenon' the. line 5-5 of Fig.2;

Fig. 6'is afragmentary vertical sectional-view on the line 66 of Fig. 2 showing the feeder cam;

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the machine;

Fig. .8 (Sheet 1) is a vertical-transverseview taken on'the line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig.9 (Sheet 1) is'a sectional-view'on'the line 9-4! of Fig.8;

Fig. 10 (Sheet .1) ,is a horizontal sectional view of the elevation adjustments for the roller supports taken 'onthe line! filll of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 (Sheet 3) 'is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view on the line I l-l l' of Figi'fl;

'Fig. 12 (Sheet 4) is a front-to-rear vertical sectional View taken on the line l2l2 of Fig.' 1';

Fig. I3.is 'a. transverse vertical sectional view taken onthe line l'3l3 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is:a transverse vertical sectional view taken ontheline l4|4 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 'l5isatransverse vertical sectional view taken'on the line l5l5 ofFig. 12;

Fig. "16 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view 'on-the'line I6-l6 of Fig. 13;

Fig. '17 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view on'the line 'l1,ll ofFig. 14;

Fig. '18 is a viewof the toothed face of one clutch element;

:Fig. 19 is an edge view of the element shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 (Sheet 3) is a view of the toothedface of a clutch plate;

Fig. 21 (Sheet 5) is a bottom or inside viewof the cover 'of the machine showing the location therein of the motor-powered drive shaft together with associated switches and other electricalelements;

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary enlarged vieW-ofa clutch associated with the drive shaft, one elementthereof being shown displaced along "the drive shaft a predetermined amount in relation to the'second clutch element;

Fig.23. is-a vertical sectional view on theline 2323 of Fig.'2l;

FigQZ l is a vertical sectional View on'the line 24-2 l of Fig. 21;

Fig. 25 is a side elevational view of the longitudinally movableelement of the spacing clutch;

Fig. 26.is aview'of the tooth or step face of the element shownin Fig. 25

.Fig. 27 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional 3 view on the line 2'l2| of Fig. 2 showing the punch press mechanism and the centering mechanism both in retracted positions;

28 (Sheet 4) is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view similar to a portion of Fig. 27 showing the centering mechanism in active position;

Fig. 29 (Sheet 6) is a vertical longitudinal sectional view similar to the left-hand position of Fig. 12 but with the punch enlarged;

Fig. 30 is a transverse sectional view on the line 38-40 of Fig. 2'7 showing the punch press linkage in retracted position;

Fig. 31 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view similar to Fig. 30 but with the mechanism in active position;

Fig. 32 (Sheet 3) is a side elevational view of a driven link connecting the punch actuating plunger with the driven shaft;

. Fig. 33 (Sheet 3) is a front elevational view of the said link, partially broken away to illustrate details;

Fig. 34 (Sheet 1) is a horizontal sectional view on the line 34-34 of Fig. 12 Showing a grip adjustment for one of the punch springs;

Fig. 35 (Sheet 1) is a side elevational view of the punch plunger assembly;

Fig. 36 (Sheet 1) is a rear view of said plunger assembly;

Fig. 37 (Sheet 7) is an enlarged longitudinal vertical sectional View on the line 3l3'i of Fig. 2 showing the spacer operating button and asso ciated parts;

. Fig. 38 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical sectional view on the line 3B-38 of Fig. 2 showing the cutting operating button and associated elements; and

Fig. 39 is an electrical wiring diagram of the machine.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 23 indicates generally a powered stencil cutting machine embodying the principles of the present invention. In the main, the frame, cutting elements, and associated elements of the stencil cutting machine disclosed herein are the same as those disclosed in our above-identified patent, but a detailed description thereof is essential for a full disclosure and understanding of the construction and operation of the improved machine. To facilitate consideration of the present description in respect to the elements which are the same as in our above-identified patent, the same reference numerals are employed herein as are used in the patent to indicate the same part or element. 1

The machine 29 includes a base or bed 36 that has a portion 3! extending out of the front thereof and a rear circular portion 32 (Fig. '7). Centrally of the circular portion there is a journal box 33 supported by beams from the outer ring 32. The beams include two, 34 and 35, the direction of which follows line drawn from the outer ring 32 at the center of the front to two points spaced approximately 60 apart at the rear. The two beams 34 and 35 terminate at a transverse beam 36 toward the front of the mechanism; and from the junctions therewith of the beams 3 and 35 extend outwardly beams 3! and 33 that terminate at the outer ring 32. The ring is flattened at 39 across the front. At the front and rear of the journal box 33, transverse beams 40 and M connect the two beams 34 and 35. From the opposite junctions of the beam 4| with the beams 34 and 35 there extend the beams 42 and 43 terminating approximately diametrically opposite on the ring 32. The foregoing arrangement of beams and their shapes, as indicated, are such as to give a proper distribution of forces, since it will be realized that the punch pressure is off center and takes place within the area between the beams 36, 37, 38 and 39. The first three of the last named beams have integrally formed therewith a web 44 that has an abutment screw 45 threaded therein for a purpose to be described.

The front portion of the base is suitably webbed as will appear. About the base there are provided a number of feet 35 on which the machine rests, and a number of bosses A! to receive hood screws to be described.

The journal box 33 is drilled to receive a central shaft '56. It also has an annular pocket 5| surrounding the shaft in which is mounted a felt oil pad 52, and surrounding the pocket 5| is an annular bearing surface 53 (Fig. 12) The center shaft 50 is pressed into the journal box 33 and is not rotatable with respect thereto.

A die carrier 56 has a long central tubular column 57 journaled on the center shaft 5!], and bearing at its bottom on the annular surface 53 (Fig. 12). A plurality of radial arms 59 extend outwardly from the bottom of the center column to a die supporting ring 60 (Fig. 7). About the ring is a series of spaced screw-receiving openings 65 receiving screws 62 that hold dies 63 in place on the ring 63 at a radial distance suflicient to permit them to be brought over the punch area of the bed 30. The dies 53 are interchangeable because of the uniformity of the screw openings 6|.

Emanating from the central column 51 is a table 63 to which is bolted an annular punch carrier 61, which, at its outer edge rises upwardly to provide an upper flange 68 opposite a lower flange 69, which flanges provide for the guiding of punches described below.

Punches are provided, each punch including a punch shank l3 slidably mounted in aligned open: ings in the flanges 68 and 69. At its upper part, each shank has a plunger-receiving neck I l, and between the two flanges an additional neck F2 to receive a spring clip E3 of the shape shown in Fig. 34. About the shank Ill there is also a coil spring [4 of the compression type acting between the flange 69 and the clip 12, urging the punch upwardly.

On each shank l0, beneath the flange 69, there is a punch-supporting plate 15 having a vertically bent tongue 16 guided Within a hole 11 in the punch carrier; This latter action prevents rocking of the punch during the pressing action. A punch head 18 is mounted on a punch plate 19 secured to the plate E5. I

As is evident, there is a series of punches and dies corresponding to desired letters, numbers, and the like. Each punch has its corresponding die mounted beneath it on the ring 60 and, as will be shown; any pair may be selectively located in cutting position.

Secured to the top of the column 51 there is a depending portion or hub 82 of a circular operating hand wheel 83. The operating hand wheel has an index pointer 84 attached thereto and which cooperates with a dial plate 85 mounted on a hub 86, which hub is adjustably secured as at 81 to the center shaft 50. The dial plate 85 is so arranged that when the pointer 84 is brought to any character thereon the punch and die of that character will be located in cutting position.

The dial has an oil hole therein immediately above an oil groove 9| in the center shaft 50.

amen-7s Thisgroove 9 Iextendsdowir to a pointwellfloclow thetop "of the central column 1 51. When-oil is dropped through-the hole *90 -and into the groove 91 itwill lubricate the 'entire-=bearing and finally the "surplus-vv'ill'descend to =reach the fe1t pad 52 wherein it is --'stored toprovide lubrication 'of the bearing'53 for-an indefinite period.

Over the entire top of the machine iii-is a l-100d or cover fifithrough which 'the 'hand whee'l'shub' 82 passes. There are suitablebosses 95 on the side *e'd-ges of the cover '94 to receivescr-ews 955 by means of wh'ichthe cover'is secur'edto-the fastening'lugs i'l of the'base.

On the front of the machine are 'the'punch centering and actuating means and apaperfeeding means "which will now be'descri-bed. The cover '94 a housing 91 ou -the fr'on'tthereof (Fig. l) in which a large part of the said-mechanism is *mounted. The housing I 97 includes a ma-in -wall 98 and a front 'wa1l'99, the latter having'an *opening I E90 normally "closedby =a closure plat'e(not shown) In' the- WaII 98 there is -anopening I9 2 shaped something like a dumbbell with enlargements at the top and the bottom joine'd by a narrower connection portion Ill! (-Fig.'30). This connecting portion IB I has opposed vertical grooves I03 in its edges that receives guides-l 04 on the oppo- "site sides'of a punch actuating plunger, generally indicated at I65 (Figs. "219, 55 and '36). This plunger N35 has a notch !!)6, somewhat wider *than' the vertical thickness of the heads f the *punch shanks "I0, providing a surface "III-I for depressingthe punches and-an edgeI BB "for ensuring their withdrawal. Asisevidentfrom'Fig. 1 2, when any-punch is brought to "actuating position, its head engages-in the notch I06 o'fthe plunger. I

The plunger 'Ifl5'has atitstopa pivot pm I H) "including a spacing shoulder I II the latter-being suiiic-ient 'to 'carry the pivot tothe front of the walP-SB asappears in Fig. 29. Aliniiting-screw H2 having a "lock nut I' I3 thereon is adjustable todeterminetheupper limit of movement of'lthe plunger "I 05, to insure that the plunger will be --in' 'proper position'to engage overthe'punc'h shank 'heads.

A"link plate I I5 ofthe-bell crank'type' -has =a slot 'l [6 engaging overthe pivot I Ill. The plate H5 i-n turn is pivotally mounted on the wall 98 on :a' bushing II?"held' by a' screw -'I t8 (Fig. 2).

*On the other angle of the'link plate I I 5, "there is pivoted at II 9 a link I20, the 'otherend of which'is connected by' a pivot-pin I2! to-a comhination link and cam pla'te I22. The pin 12! includes an outer flattened-portion239'which is stra'ddledby legs '23I of ai -bifurcated 'drive lin'k 232. The1ink- 232 is secured to a driven-shaft 1-2 33 by: a pin 234 (Fig; "5) extending throughapertures 235 in the 1ink '232 (Figs. 32- and 33) and through an aperture'in the shaft '233.

The plate I22 has -a cam edge "I28-engageable with-a :roller lzfi-located'in' 'the middle of a link .1239 "pivoted at its upper end'to the-endwal1 98 on ascrew -I3I (Figs. 30,31). The-lower 'end;:

and the ffront wall i 99 :tmmaintain-ithe centerin lever: normallyiin .inactiveposition (Fig.2?)

It :is squite evident that :during the :first and major part of1theimovement of the driven shaft a233,:t-hezpunch, although moving down, is-above the work and consequently is not cutting. .However, as .=is .s'hown below, the work feedrmecha nism is.:in:.:operation during :such interval. The work :feed ".mechanismis operated off thetpivot I I9 :between the link. plateII5 and the link-12B. Ifi'lg.:6, shows thispivot I IS in detail. On its outer enclitrhasra rol1erl 40 heldby a nut MI, the nut engaging on'a-shoulder to allow free rotation :of the roller. :This roller I40 rides on .a "cam link i- M2 that is'pivoted at I43 to the "wall 98 (Fig.2) {but spaced therefrom "by a. spacenmem- :berl i'. 'Thisacam linkl iz has a bell crank 5M5 pivoted at I46 to its other, end. A tension spring .lfilacts on-oneend of -'the bell'crank lever 14.5 :and is also attached to a pin I48 (Fig. 29'), ex-

tending from the wall 99. The spring I47 biases the bell crank lever I in a clockwise direction, viewedfrom the front or" the machine.

The other end of the bell crank lever I45hasa .natchet dog I5il'(Fig. 29) engaging with the-teeth o-f a ratchet wheel'ifii that is mounted to rotate with-a serrated feed roller I52 thatiis attached to the lowest end ofthe wall :83. A light-leaf spring L53 is secured to the wall fi8 andibears against the-back surface of the feed rol1er l-5Z to prevent its coasting.

The-cam link 142 has a cam'edge I-dkthereon that is engaged by: the roller ISM}. .By this means when the shaman; rotates clockwise the: link I20 :moves to the :left and with it therollerfl lfl; and the latter acting upon'the cam edge I54 pivots the cam "lever M2 ,clockwisemoving the-bel1 crank lever =I i5' dmi n-wardly so that its dog I'5il,:main- :tained-in engagement with-the'teeth'of the'ratchet l- SI by means of-the spring M-L-rotates the ratchet .wheel a given "angular "distance clockwise, and with it rotates thefeedwheel I52. Thisangular distance-is-equal tothedistanc'ebetween the charzacters.

Afterthe :cam'rel-ler I49 is moved overthe hump-of the cam edge i5 1, additional movement of the-"link I28 and :the roller I it! about the pivot I-I 'I:.produces*no"additional movement of the feed Tell. The cam'is designed so that all'of the feed- :ingtakes '-place:during the first approximately '%:of-the lowering of thepunch and bef-oreithe "actual.cuttingoperationtakes place. The action may be limited to feeding exclusive of punching, if desired, 'throughzthe medium of construction rdescribedrbelow.

Spaced from: the feed roll I52 is 'a second fol- :lower roll 46-5 alsot mounte'd on the lower part of "the wall :98, it being secured by .a screw I66 (Fig. 5).

The vupperpart-of the'front section3l of the frame forms a table 561 upon which the work rests "(Fig 1). The ho-od'li l is spaced upwardly catiitsi loweredges' in the" front from the die mem- =her '59 and the'hed SB so that the work may be slippediunder 'thehood and underthe punches. "The two .feed rollslfifi and I-are located above rtheztable i6? and at the rear edgethereof im- -mediatelly tinifront "of the die member 59.

There .are :presser rollers I I 68 and I 69 projectzingaiupwardly .throughithe backipartof the table lifilfor cooperation'respectively with the feed rolls "IEZiandIfiE. :Both.of'therollers ififi and I69 are mounte'dziorrotation on a-bar ilii "(Figs 8, l1) sith'atiisLrestrictedlyIfioatinglymounted in slots- I 'I I sand A12 .iinrwebs i113 ::and [14, respectivel3r, the

lower part of the front section 3| of the base. Screws I15 and I16 greater in diameter than the said slots are wide are threaded into adjacent walls of the slots and held by lock nuts I11 to restrict downward movement of the ends of the bar I10.

The bar I10 has a link I80 (Fig. 8) pivoted to a point slightly off center thereof, and extending downwardly therefrom. The link I80 is engaged by a pin I8I eccentrically formed on the end of a shaft I82, which shaft is journaled in a bearing I83 (Fig, 7) in a middle web of the front portion 3I of the device and a bearing I84 in a front web of wall I85 that is indented from the main part of the front wall of the machine, as shown at I88. The shaft I82 projects through the wall I85 and outside the same has an operating arm I81 located in the indentation I88 and by means of which the shaft may be rocked. It will be seen that rocking the shaft will lower the bar I10 and with it the two rolls I88 and I89.

A collar I89 is fastened adjustably about the shaft I 82 by a setscrew I90 (Fig. 7). The collar I89 supports a pin I9I receiving one end of a coil tension spring I92, the other end of which is engaged in a pin I93 in the web I13. This spring I 92 normally maintains the handle I81 upwardly, in which position the presser rollers I68 and I89 are urged upwardly against the feed rolls I82 and I85 so as to press the work against the last two named rollers and thereby to clamp it in position. As is evident, the tension of the spring I92 may be varied by adjusting the collar I89.

A latch is provided for holding the rolls I88 and I89 in downward or inoperative position. This latch includes a latch link I95 pivoted at I98 to a lower web of the front section 3!. A notch I91 is engageable with a pin I98 on the shaft I82 when the shaft is rotated by the handle I 81 to inactive position, a rotation of about 30 degrees. The pin I98 engages in the notch I91 and is thereby prevented from returning to active position.

To release the latch, there is provided a plunger I99 forked at one end over the latch I 95 and pivoted thereto at 200. The plunger I99 passes through the wall I85 and has a push button 20! on the outer end thereof within the indentation I88. A coil spring 202 engages between the pivot 200 and a pin 293 in the wall I85. This spring 202 normally urges the plunger I99 and with it the latch I95 into position to be engaged by the pin- I98. Hence, normaly, upon pressing down of the handle I81 to lower the presser rolls I88 and I69, the latch I95 will become effective to hold the rolls in lower position. Pressing the button 20I, however, releases the latch and permits the spring I92 to return th shaft I82 and, by means of it, the presser rolls I88 and IE9 to operating position,

There is also provided a work guide and stripper plate 2 I (Figs. 29-31). A stripper plate portion 2|I has a front part 2I2 turned up at right angles and having slots 2I3 engageable by the pivots upon which the rolls I52 and I85 are mounted on the wall 98. The slots permit vertical adjustment of the plate. The plate has a central opening 2I4 through which the die passes in the cutting operation. The work, however, is maintained on the bottom side of the plate 2| I so that, upon withdrawal of the punch, the work is stripped therefrom. A wire guide 2| is provided to guide the work and keep it from irregularities while passing laterally through the machine.

For aligning the direction of the feed rolls, and hence the direction imparted to the work passing through themachine, the rolls I88 and I89 are mounted on the bar I10; and this bar, somewhat flexible, is attached to an angle iron 220 (Fig. 11). The connection at one end is by means of a screw 22I and a suitable spacer collar. There is a similar connection 22I at the middle. At the other end, however, there is a screw 223 threaded through the bar I10 and passing through the angle iron 220. Look nuts 222 determine the spacing between the bar I10 and the angle iron 220 and, of course, permit a variation of the distance. Since the angle iron 220 is substantially inflexible, adjustment of the nuts 222 will, by flexing of the bar I10, vary the position of the roller I88 slightly forward or backward relative to the roller I89 and, therefore, will vary the direction of travel of the stencil through the machine.

On the top of the table I81 is provided a series of guide lines 225 and an inner guide line 228. The guide lines 225 give the proper positions for the bottom of a stencil card for cutting one or more lines of characters therein. The line 228 indicates a point to which the card must be inserted to insure that the characters will be completely contained within its borders. A line 228 determines the distance leftward to which the card must be moved to obtain proper cutting within the lateral limits thereof. There is also provided a small square index 221 indicating the size and alignment of the characters.

The foregoing description comprehends the same stencil cutting machine as is disclosed in our above-identified patent, with the exception of the shaft 233 and related parts. The following description relates to the novel features which are to be taken in combination with the previously disclosed or like machine.

The cover 94 includes a second housing 248 (Figs. 1 and '7) at the rear thereof in substantially diametrical relation to the front housing 91. A housing opening I is closed by a gear reducer housing 242, the latter being bolted to the housing 240 by bolts 243. Within the housing 242 is a motor speed reducer unit of any standard make, which is well known to the trade and in the art, and which, therefore, is not particularly disclosed. A motor 244 has a shaft 245 connected to the gears of the motor speed reducer within the housing 242 for reducing the speed of the motor 244 in the well-known manner. A shaft 241 is connected to the gears in the reducer housing .242 and extends into the housing 240 (Fig. 21).

The shaft 241 receives a clutch disc element 248 which is secured thereto against relative rotary movement but to permit relative longitudinal movement by a spline 250 or the like (Figs. 12 through 15 and 21). The disc clutch element 248 (Figs. 18 and 19) includes a circumferential groove 25I and spaced teeth 252 on one face thereof. An axial notch 253 is provided for the reception of the spline 250. Loosely mounted on the shaft 241 is a second disc clutch element 254 (Figs. 16 and 20) of large mass which has spaced teeth 255 on one face thereof adapted to cooperate with the teeth 252 of the element 248.

A shaft 258 extends through the wall of the cover 94 into the housing 249 and has a link member 251 secured to its housing end by a setscrew 258 or the like (Figs. 14 and 17). The link 251 supports one end of a stub shaft 259, the stub shaft 259 having sliding bearing surface in the wall of the cover 94 directly beneath the shaft 258. A compression spring 288 is disposed about the shaft 256 between the link 251 and the wallet the cover 94. A forkedn-memberi 26]. is secured tovth'e end of; the stub.sliaft 259. By a screw 262' or the: like, the member 261 having; inwardly. directed prongs 263. which engage the. groove 25]! of the. clutch element 248. It is thus: apparent thatntherspring. 26D acts-through the member 26l to constantly. biasthe clutch element 248 towards the-housing 242andout' oi. engagement-with theclutch elemente25'4." The end-of the shaft 256 disposed within the coveri 94 is connected to an armature 265.. of. a. solenoid generally indicated 266 secured by screws 2.61101 they like, to the. inner surface of! thec'over-"ll' l (Fig. 21 Electrical leads..268$.and.269-I connect' the solenoid 266 .intol-the electricalicircuits ofth'e. machine inla mannerasshown in. Fig. 39.-and describedbelow. Itis.apparentthatlthesolenoid 266, vwhen energized} willlmove the shaft .256'and-. the stub shaft 259 inwardljz againstthe force of the compressionspring 26'0Tto engagethexcliltch' element 248Lwith the clutch element 25f4f..for a purposedescribedvbelow. The stub shaft: 259111- cludes. an end. portion 254 Which. acts --as. a stop. andwhich-will engage. the head'ofa-punchshanli m to prevent .closing of the clutch element 248" Withthe clutch element 254whenth'e shanks 19' arenot-properly positioned. for. cutting.

Arocker arm. 2.101s secured by-a setscrew 21], orthe like; to -.-a drive .shaft 2'l2'havi'ng; bearing surface in the wallofthe cover 9 lfat-= one end (Figs.- l5, 16,. 21).. The' rocker arm 210 is. dls'.- posedbetweenthe clutch. element 254- and the wall-20f the cover 941 and includes an elongated opening. 213- which receives aridr member; 2T4 having a stud. 2I5which..pivotallyengages a suit; able aperture. in the face of the. massive portionofthe clutch e1ement'254 remote from the teeth 255 thereof. The relationship oftheroclier. arm 21|Land the clutch element 254 issuchthat} in one..revolutionof. the clutch element 254; the rocker. 2101s moved'approximately 45f1ioin its rest position. shown in. Fig. 15" to the "right" and returnedT45? to itsposition'of Fig. 15". A heavy tensionspring.21'5Linside the cover. 94 maintains the shaft.ZJZ-andtherocker arm 2J0, i1'1'.th'epo-' sitionsishown in. Fig. 15,..the spring 276" being anchored 'at one end'to a suitable screw 2Tlse-i 'curedlltothe'inner face of the cover 94'f'arrd'f at the other end to a collar.218"secured"by. a set.- screw 2l9ito the shaft 272. Thecollar 2.18'1-serves additionally.- as. at stop member, as is described bemwrmg. 21) L, A collar 2% secured'tothe shaft 2.1 2"by a..setscrew- 281 prevents... outward move:- ment. of the. shaft/212."

The driven shaft 233I'and the drive .shaftl 212 are mountedimth'e cover 94-'in..alignmentg(FigI. The. shaft 233 has bearingsupport m. a bracket 282 secured by suitable bolts ..2-' 83.to.t1 ie inner surface. of the cover. 94. The. shaft. 23-3 terminates a. short distance inwardly of. the bracket--282.-and-.has a sleeve 285 .securedtolthe end thereof by. a pin 286 ..which extends diametrically throughtheshaft:233.- and. the sleeve 285 .(Fig. 22).. An end-of the. shaft 212'rests inthe sleeve. 28-5:- for hearing support. The sleeve-285 includes .in its edge-remote from the bracket 282 two-steps. 231 and 288, therebeing. an additional set of steps..281=and 288.-in diametricallyopposed relation .to those shown inFig. 22: A sleve29l) is-.-mounted .on'the shaft 212. adjacentthe sleeve 285 for limited longitudinal. movement inurespect to-.-the .shaft.2'l2.. The sleeve29ti' (Figs. 25"and 2,6) includee diametrically. opposed notchesfl. 291 in one edge, a central annular groove 292,',and steps 293 and 2'94Tinx the oth'eredge, therefbeing two sets of .steps.293 and 294. in. diametrically. opposed relation. The. angular-i distance. between steps .293and 29111 and steps .281? and 23's, 1.5? in the instant disclosure, although this distance may vary, in particular machines;- The notches 291 engage .pins. 295 secured "to the. shaft" 212iri diametrically opposed" relation. The steps-.293 and 2214 are arranged. to engage the. steps; 28? and238 of the. sleeve 285 in closed relation-in one extreme longitudinal position: of the sleeve 2'95 relativertd the sleeve 285} as is.. -c1ea-r' from. 21 and.22l- The-other extreme longitudinal. pro;- sition: of the sleeve 290l isagain-st the collar 27B whichavoids using the. pins2'9 Bl-as the limiting. meansand \permitsiscme adj ustmentiofthesle '6 29!! relative. to. thesleeve 285; Alheavytens spring. 284 -biasesrthe shaft. 233." to. rest position- (Fig. 21), being-:-.connectedfatone end to alpifi fixed -'tetl1e shaft 2 33 andanchored to. the cover Swat its otherendb'y a -screw.

A shaft 291- has bearing support near oneend in' theverticahportion298 of a bracket. 2'99" s' cured to-the-inner face. of. the cover-94 byscrews. 389 and has secured. to-its.. end adjacent the bracket 2-99- a finge1= 301* Iowa. screw. so'zxm'gs. 211 22). The finger 3i extendsflinto. the. annular groove 292 of.- the sleeve 290'. Aicompressibn' tact :31 si -andra movable blade -3-l 4 ..having-a'. con,i-. tact 345, the blades 3 I 2- and- 3] 4. being mounted in: opposed-relation onaninsulation block. 321. which is-secured bysuitablc-screws 3l 6 to, the inner face ofthe'cover 94.- Leads 31-1 and. 318 are connected to the :blades 312 andv 314, respctivelyl Lead: 3 I 9:=is alse; CO-IHIQCt3d-wt0 the=-blad 31 4a: A. buffer 320m? insulating materialis con! nected; to: the: endof r the blade 314 adjacent the contact M5? for. engagement-hm the. finger. 301 secured: to" the-inner.- end' of the-shaft; 291.

A cutting. operating plunger 323 ismounted in: the walls 98, and li' fo-r reciprocablegmove; ment adjacent the spacing pIungerJBJLaI-Id-lias:

' a cutting operation button 324 (Figs. 21'; 38'). A

suitable pin 325 prevente withdrawa1 of the plunger: 3.23 A switch326 is. mountedon the inner face of the cover9'4adjacentth e'inner end of the plunger 3,23 and includes switch blades 32?" and 328 'mounted'hetweeni.insulating lam na; tions 32 9 which are securedto th'e inn'er' face ot the. cover 94 by a' suitable insulated screwflflf The. lead 319 is'connected to the switchplatej 328 (Fig..- 39'). Another lad331 isconnctedit' the plate 3'28gan'd leads3lllandi'333 are'"connectd tethe blade. 3.211 The; lead 33l'conn'1ects' at its other end" tov one terminal j'of a light"332, a earl 334 "being connected to the i'otherterminal were; of'at one end; v

A Holding; andilimit switch336 (Fig?v 23)? a convenientposition, as showninFig. and includes a .first pair of switch bla'dsy33f and' 338, anda'second'fpair of" switch blades 339and 2,51 sh re- 340, both pairs of blades being mounted in an insulation block 34! secured by suitable screws 342 to the cover 94. The blades 331, 338, 339 and 340 carry contacts 343, 344, 345 and 346, respectively. Thei free ends of the blades are disposed adjacent a collar 341 mounted on the shaft 212 and secured thereto by a setscrew 348. A pin 349 threadedly engages the collar. The pin 349 in rest position of the shaft 212 engages a member 356 of insulating material secured to the end of the blade 331 to maintain the contacts 343 and 344 in separated relation, as is shown in Fig. 23. In its position of extreme rotation, the pin 349 engages a member 35I of insulation material secured to the end of the blade 339 to close the contacts 345 and 346. A lead 353 is connected to the blade 331 and to a power line, a lead 354 is connected to the blade 338, a lead 356 connects the blades 338 and 339, and a lead 355 is connected to the blade 346. It is to be observed that the contacts 343 and 344 close due to the resiliency of the blade 331 when the pin 349 is rotated clockwise out of engagement with the member 359.

= A nonrepeat relay 368 is mounted on the inner face of the cover 94 in a convenient position such as is shown in Fig. 21. The relay 360 is mounted on a bracket 36I secured to the inner face of the cover 94 by suitable screws 362. A wall 363 of the bracket 36I supports an electrical magnet 364 and its armature 365, the armature 365 having pivotal support at 366. Switch blades 361, 368 and 369 are supported adjacent the magnet 364 on insulating blocks 316 which are secured by screws 31! to the bracket 36L Adjacent the free ends, the blades 361 and 369 carry contacts 312 and 313, respectively. The

blade 366 carries opposed contacts 314 and 315 which are adapted to make with the contacts 312 and 313, respectively. An insulating member 311 connects the ends of the armature 365 and the blade 368. The blade 368 is biased through its inherent resiliency to the left (Fig. 21) so that at. rest its contact 314 makes engagement with the contact 312. The lead 269 connected to the solenoid 266 is connected to the blade 361 (Fig. 39 The leads 333 and 354 are connected to the blade 368, and the leads 355 and a, lead 382 are connected to the blade 369. The lead 382 is connected at its other end to one terminal of the electrical magnet 364. A lead 38I connects the other terminal of the magnet 364 with one line 383 of a power source, the other line being indicated at 384 (Fig. 39). A main power switch 381 is provided.

Operation 1 A suitable card, in which it is desired to cut characters, is placed upon the table I61. The handle I81 is depressed withdrawing the presser rollers I68 and I69 from the rollers I56 and I55 so that the card C may be fitted to the left until its left edge at least reaches thev line 228 and inwardly at least to a point where its upper edge is as far in as the line 226, and with its lower edge on a line 225. The button I is then pressed, unlatching the shaft I82 and permitting the presser rollers !68 and I69 to move upwardly and press the card C against the rollers I62 and I65. By rotation of the hand wheel 83, the desired character is brought beneath the index 34. The machine 29 is thereupon ready for stencil cutting.

To cut the character thus selected by the hand wheel 83, referring to Fig. 39 for the elecr 12 trical circuits, the cutting operation button 324 is pushed inwardly, which closes the movable blade 328 of the switch 326 with the blade 321, thereby closing the electrical circuit through the solenoid 266, it being assumed'that the main switch 381 is closed and that the motor 244 is functioning to continuously rotate the shaft 241 extending from the reducer housing 242. The

armature 265 of the solenoid 266 is moved inwardly upon the solenoid 266 being thus energized, thereby moving the clutch element 248 into engagement with the clutch element 254. The clutch element 254 is rotated by the clutch element 248 until the rocker arm 218 has moved through approximately 45 which rotates the shaft 212 through approximately 45. The pin 349 is moved thereby from its rest position shown in Fig. 39 counterclockwise 45 which permits the blade 331 due to its closing bias to close its con- 6 tact 343 with the contact 344 of the blade 338 to complete a circuit around the switch 326 to the solenoid 266 to hold the solenoid 266 energized if the switch 326 is released before completing a cycle and to render the switch 326 ineffective until the pin 349 returns to open contacts 343 and 344, provided meanwhile the switch 626 has been released. At the end of its movement of 45, the pin 349 engages the member 35I at the free end of the blade 339 to closethe contact 345 thereof with the contact 346 of the blade 346. Closing of the contacts 345 and 346 completes a shunt circuit through the nonrepeat relay 369 thereby energizing the same and causing the armature 365 thereof to move the switch blade 368 counterclockwise (Fig. 39) which breaks the contacts 312 and 314 and closes the contacts 315 and 313, the former action interrupting the circuit to the clutch solenoid 266 and deenergizing the same, whereupon the spring 269 returns the clutch element 248 to its nonengaging position, the latter action completing a circuit through the nonrepeat relay 366 and the contacts 343 and 344 (and the cutting switch 326 if still held closed), preventing repeat action of the machine. The contacts 315 and 313 remain closed if the switch 326 (or the switch 3I I) is jammed closed or is intentionally held closed, maintaining the relay 368 energized and preventing machine repetition of a character, an important operational feature. With the switch 326 open, return of shaft 212 to rest or starting position breaks contacts 343 and 344, thereby deenergizing the relay 360. The spring 216 returns the shaft 212 through 45 to its initial starting position, and the spring 284 returns the shaft 233 through 45 to its initial starting position. The machine is thereupon ready for another cycle.

For an experienced operator, the switch blade 369 with its functions aforesaid may be cut out of the operating circuits. A simple three contact switch may be installed in the cover 94 adjacent the fixed end of blade 369 (Fig. 21). The center contact receives the lead 355, one end contact is connected to the blade 369, and the other end contact receives the lead 382. Either a pivoted link or a throw switch lever is connected to the center contact, which at the option of the machine operator is connected either to the one or the other end contact to include the switch blade 369 in its operative relation as shown or to bypass it. The blade 369 may also be bypassed by bending the contact end to a point beyond engagement range of the center blade 368.

Should it be desired to provide a space between 13 word -or betWeen'--characters; the spacing button 399- is= moved inwardly, which mechanically, through *the plunger- 301,- the shaft 291 anchfinger 3M5 moves the sleeve ZSD -in respect to the sleeve 285 sothat the normally engagingsteps 293 and 28'! thereof respectively are disengaged to 1 the positionshown in Fig. 22; As this position-is reached; the fingGrSfil engages the-buf1er 320=on the switch blade 3M of the switch 311 toclosethe contact-3&5 thereof with the contact 313 of the switch blade-3l2L Closing'of the contacts 315 31 3 energizes the solenoid 266 and otherwise initiates the cyclesetforth above upon pushing the cutting-button 324. However, in view of'the fact that'the step 293 ofthe sleeve 29!] engages thestep 288- of the collar 285 instead of the'step 28*1' wherebythe shaft 233- remains stationary for this predetermined degree of rotation of the shaft 212 which has been set at in a-preferred machine, the shaft 233 isonly rota-ted' a total of 3G"? Hnceyany character punch aligned for cutting is not depressedto cutting position, hutthe pre spacing-operation occurs and a -space in the stencil line is obtained. It-is'to be understood, of course; that the plunger I05; the selected die punch, and the related operating linkage are operated as above set'forth except for'the lesser deg-ree'of'movement occasioned by the-30 rotati'onainstead ofthe rotation of the shaft 233;

- As for-thestencil cutting or spacing mechanics,

they; are the same as for the machine ofour abbve mentioned patent. During approximately thefirst'twenty percentage of the rotation of the shaft 233; the cam 22 acts quickly upon the roller i295 causing the link 830 to pivot aboutits center I-3-I and, by contact with the'adjustable screw I32, move-one end of the horizontal centering lever 'l33' which pivots-about its center l3 i'to cause the rollers i3fi on' the other end to engageadjacent punch shanks, and thereby to fix'the rotating punch carriers against rotation and with the proper one centered in cutting position; The extraheight of the notch I96 in the punch plunger ESE-permits at 'least'a part of'thiscentering 'actionto take place beforedisplacement of the punch begins.

During the next part-of -the movement-of the shaft-133; the-roller Mir operating on the cam edge I54 of the link M2 moves that link down wardly; and, through the ratchet mechanism, advances the feed roll I52 a predetermined space proper for the distance between successive characters. The roller Mt:- isover-the hump ofthe cam-prior to'the time that'the actual cutting by=the=-punchbegins.

Iirthe'foregoing, it will 'be'seen that the toggle linkage relation issuch that, duringthe movement-sofar described," a relatively small amount ofi movement cf the shaft-233 produces a com"- paratively large amount of movement of the punch'shank. During this time, the toggle links have-been approaching a" continuous line with the pivot 52f between the-pivot- H 9 and" the hub l24',3.increasing the leverage of the shaft 233 and rediicing the-amount of movementof the plate Iii Eiandthe plunger lflfi for a given displacement ofithezshaft 233. When-the punch is forced through-the work; any deflectionrof thecarrier 56icauses-.it:-to:strike the screw 45?. andthereh'y bezprevented from further :deflection. The rigid construction of. the bed substantially. prevents it -fromrdeflecting; it;1being-; designed to .receive 'force at: thisspoint', as heretofore described.

The: return. movement. ofuthe1 shaft :12 33 zby the spring;:;384:;=also: returns the.- linkages .to starting I4 position. The centering mechanism isi returned" to starting position by its spring I31; and thebell crank/ratchet. arm i451movesvbackward to another tooth'on the ratchet wheelito beFreadyifor thenewrfeed.

Atithe end of the. line, the 'workaisumoved irr toward ithe machine to a :successiverline ZZS-Z'an d the operation .isrepeated; Should itib'e necessary to replace thetwork inthe machineiafter withdrawal; location. of a character otf a given li'ne over theisquare 22-7 gauges the location of that lin'esrelative to. the punches.

As noted; the feed. mechanism: can be adjustedb-y'thenuts v 222". to:. insure that the work? will be fed in..a;proper1 line through the-machine; It will be seen" byireferencet to Figs- 8 'and? 1'1 that theeforcetappliedlby the eccentric: lug: l 8 I through thememb'er; ltlliis nearer the presserrol len E68 thamthe-iroller. I69. As a consequence; there is more pressure appliedi'to the' feedroller: t5-29thanto:'-thez1follower roller i65 Approximiately'sixty percent of thetotal pressure is applied' to 'the f'eed roller I52 and forty percent to-thea trailingguiiie roller:l': The fact that the-bar l lil floats over theoscrews and i 16:insures' thatthe-pressure willlbez divided between the two-rollers:

la'i'eeding the stencil i b'oard orr the initialrota tion; of the shaft 2331 redi1ces the possibility of cutting one letter" into-another by" error. There will" always. be a feedfafter thework' is inserted before the cutting takes place. There-will also: bexatfull'space', or none at-"a'll; beforeacutbe cause of the action of the centering'an'd l'cackin'g mechanism. It, therefore; cooperates-with'the mechanism for feeding on' the initial rotation of shafti-233' to insure the full spacing.

Only. a short rotation" of the shaft 233 is re quired'for. the cutting which" is madepossiblebe cause of the great leverage of the toggl'e=-mecha n1sm..

It is apparent from the foregoingthat there has been provided. a powered stencil cutting ma chine-which fulfills: all of the-objects andad vantages sought therefor. The machine achieves avspeed. of operation greatlyin' excess of manu ally: operated machines; The other features thereof are obvious from the foregoing:

Itis to be understood that the foregoing'de scription andtheaccompanying drawings have been: given: by way ofillustraticn andexample: Ittis also to beunderstood thatchanges-in-form of the several elements, substitution of equiva' lents; and rearrangement of parts which will be obvious tothoseskilled in the art are contemplated" as within the scopeof the present inven= tion, which is limitedonly b'y' the claimswhicl'i follow;

What is claimed-is:

1. A stencil cutting machine comprising; in combination; abase; a' plurality oi character'cufi ting means mounted thereonior movement of selected charactercutting means into and out of cutting .posi-tion, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effectingmutting actionof aiselected' character cutting" means, means' for character spacing a stencil blank, saidactuatablc nieans and said means for character spacing a stencil blank including overriding means for in effective actuation of said actuatable means and effective actuation of said means -for character spacing :a:.stencil,- a'continuously running motor; and: selective actuating: means: for" optional-ly-= en gagingi the motor and :the' actuat'abl'e meansren deringssaid overriding meansselectivel-S inefiec tive or effective, respectively, for cutting a character or for spacing a stencil blank by said motor.

2. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, a plurality of character cutting means mounted thereon for movement of selected character cutting means into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, electrically actuated means energizable for mechanically connecting said motor to said actuatable means and holding them connected to cut a stencil character, means for deenergizing the electrically actuated means for breaking the mechanical connection after the cutting is accomplished, a circuit closing member operable to effect energization of the electrically actuated means, and means for maintaining operation of the deenergizing means to prevent repeat character cutting in the event said circuit closing member is jammed or otherwise held in closed position.

3. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in

- combination, a base, a plurality of character cutting means mounted thereon for movement of selected cutting means into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, a shaft mounted for oscillation between a position of rest and a position of maximum movement, means connecting said shaft with said actuatable means for character cutting, electrically operated means for selectively connecting said shaft with said motor to rotate said shaft from rest to maximum movement position, means for returning said shaft to rest position, an electrical circuit including means for actuating said electrically operated means, means for closing said circuit, and means for breaking said circuit upon the shaft reaching maximum movement position.

4. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in

combination, a base, a plurality of character cutting means mounted thereon for movement of selected cutting means into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, a shaft mounted for oscillation between a position of rest and a position of maximum movement, means connecting said shaft with said actuatable means for character cutting, electrically operated means for selectively connecting said shaft with said motor to rotate said shaft from rest to maximum movement position, means for returning said shaft to rest position, an electrical circuit including means for actuating said electrically operated means, means for closing said circuit, means for breaking said circuit upon the shaft reaching maximum movement position, and means for maintaining said circuit deenergized after it is broken to prevent repeat character cutting in the event said circuit closing means is jammed or otherwise held in closed position.

5. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, ac-

tuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, and means for preventing said last-named means from functioning in the event the selected character cutting means is not operatively located including a member connected to said actuating means and engageable with a character cutting means to block effective functioning of said actuating means when the character cutting means are not operatively located.

6. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a, selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, including an electrical circuit and a mechanical device electrically moved thereby, means for closing said circuit, and means for preventing effective movement of said mechanical device upon closing of said circuit in the event the selected character cutting means is not operatively located.

7. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means including a solenoid for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, electrical circuits for the solenoid, means for closing one circuit through said solenoid to actuate said solenoid, and means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means.

8. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means including a solenoid for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, electrical circuits for the solenoid, means for closing one circuit through said solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, and means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in th character cutting cycle.

9. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means including a solenoid for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, electrical circuits for the solenoid, means for closing one circuit through said solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, and means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is completed.

10. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of aselected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means including a solenoid for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, electrical circuits for the solenoid, means 'for closing one circuit through said solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted-to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character "cuttingcycle'is completed, and means for maintaining said relay energized and said solenoid circuits broken thereby after completion of the character cutting cycle until said means for closing one circuit is released whereby character cutting recycling is prevented in the event said means for closing said one circuit is jammed closed or is held closed.

11. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means and said electric 'motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch and means normally urging its elements continuously out of engagement, and electrically energizable means for engaging said clutch elements and maintaining them engaged, for effecting the character cutting phase of character cutting cycle.

12. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character ci itting means and said electric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch and means normally urging its elements continuously out of engagement, electrically energizable means for engaging said clutch elements and maintaining them engaged, for eiIecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, and mechanical means for efiecting the return to rest phase of a character cutting cycle.

13. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means and said electric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch and means normally urging its elements continuously out of engagement, electrically energizable means for engaging said clutch elements and maintaining them engaged ior-efiecting the-character cutting phase or a character cutting cycle, mechanical means for effecting the return to rest phase of a character cutting cycle, normally inactive mechanical means superposed on said first mentioned mechanical means for changing said character cutting cycle to a character spacing cycle Without modification "of the electrically energizable means, and means for simultaneously rendering both mechanical means active.

14. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means and said electric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch normally disposed With its elements out of engagement, electrically energized means for engaging said clutch elements and for efiecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, including electrical circuits, a-

solenoid in said circuits, means for closing one circuit through the solenoid to actuate said solenoid, and means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solemotor, mechanical means operatively associated with said'character cutting means and said electric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch normally disposed with its elements out of engagement, electrically energized means for engaging said clutch elements, and for effecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, including electrical circuits, a solenoid in said circuits, means for closing one circuit through the solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, and means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle.

16. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means and said elec tric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch normally disposed with its elements out of engagement, electrically energized means for engaging said clutch elements and for effecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, including electrical circuits, a solenoid in said circuits, means for closing one circuit through the solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said sole noid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, and means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is completed.

' 17, In combination, a stencil cutting machine Comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means and said electric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch normally disposed with its elements out of engagement, electrically energized means for engaging said clutch elements, and for efiecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, including electrical circuits, a solenoid in said circuits, means for closing one circuit through the solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through Said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, means for energizing said re- .lay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is completed, and means for maintaining said relay energized and said solenoid circuits broken thereby after completion of the character cutting cycle until said means for closing one circuit is released whereby character cutting recycling is prevented in the event said means for closing one circuit is jammed closed or is held closed.

18. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means and said electric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch normally disposed with its elements out of engagement, electrically energized means for engaging said clutch elements, and for efiecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, including electrical circuits, a solenoid in said circuits, means for closing one circuit through the solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid energized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said sole-,

noid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is completed, means for maintaining said relay energized and said solenoid circuits broken thereby after completion of the character cutting cycle until said means for closing one circuit is released whereby character cutting recycling is prevented in the event said means for closing one circuit is jammed closed or is held closed, and mechanical means for effecting the return to rest phase of a character cutting cycle.

19. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means and said electric motor for actuating the former by the latter including a clutch normally disposed with its elements out of engagement, electrically energized means for engaging said clutch elements, and for efiecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, including electrical circuits, a solenoid in said circuits, means for closing one circuit through the solenoid to actuate said solenoid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted to hold said solenoid ener- 20 gized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing means 'is actuated and being adapted to 'maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay,means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is completed, means for maintaining said relay ener,,

gized and said solenoid circuits broken thereby after completion of the character cutting cycle until said means for closing one circuit is released whereby character cutting recycling is prevented in the event said means for closing one circuit is jammed closed or is held closed, mechanical means for effecting the return to rest phase'of a character cutting cycle, normally inactive mechanical means superposed on said first mentioned mechanical means for changing said character cutting cycle to a character spacing cycle Without modification of the electrically, energized means, and means for simultaneously rendering both mechanical means active.

20. In combination, a stencil cutting machine comprising character cutting means, an, electric motor, mechanical means operatively associated with said character cutting means, and said electric motor for actuatingv the former by the latter includi a clutch normally disposed with its ele,

' ments out of engagement, electrically energized means for engaging said clutch elements, and for effecting the character cutting phase of a character cutting cycle, including electrical circuits, a. solenoid in said circuits, means for closing one circuit through the solenoid to actuate said sole-v noid, means for closing another circuit through said solenoid adapted tohold said solenoid ener-, gized, said last-named means being operative after said first-named circuit closing, means is actuated and being adapted to maintain said solenoid energized upon release of said first closing means, a relay, means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuits through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is, completed, means for maintaining said relay energized and said solenoid circuits broken thereby after completion of the character cutting cycle until said means for closing one circuit is released whereby character cutting recycling isprevented in the event said means for closing one circuit is jammed closed or is held closed, mechanical means for eifecting the return to rest phase of a character cutting cycle, normally inactive mechanical means superposed on said first mentioned mechanical means for changing said chare acter cutting cycle to a character spacing cycle without modification of the electrically energized meanameans for simultaneously rendering both mechanical means active, and means for preventing engagement of the elements of the clutch in the event the character cutting means is, not disposed in character cutting position.

21. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, a plurality of character cutting means mounted thereon for 'movement of selected character cutting means into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, ac-

tuatable means for effecting cutting action of a.

selected character cutting means including an oscillatable segmental shaft connected to said actuatable means, a continuously running motor,

means for connecting said motor to said shaft, means for character spacing a stencil blank including means for effecting less oscillation of one segment of said segmental shaft than the other segment, and selective actuating means for actuating said motor and shaft connecting means to cut a character or for simultaneously actuating said motor and shaft connecting means and said means for efiecting differential oscillation of said segmental shaft to character space a stencil blank.

22. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for efiecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means including a solenoid for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, an electrical circuit for said solenoid, means for closing the circuit through said solenoid to actuate said solenoid, a relay, and means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuit through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle.

23. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means including a solenoid for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, an electrical circuit for said solenoid, means for closing the circuit through said solenoid to actuate said solenoid, a relay, means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuit through said solenoid at a predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, and means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is completed.

24. A stencil cutting machine comprising, in combination, a base, character cutting means mounted thereon for movement into and out of cutting position, means for locating a selected character cutting means in cutting position, actuatable means for effecting cutting action of a selected character cutting means, a continuously running motor, means including a solenoid for actuating said actuatable means by said motor, an electrical circuit for said solenoid, means for closing the circuit through said solenoid to actuate said solenoid, a relay, means for energizing said relay to interrupt the circuit through said solenoid at a, predetermined point in the character cutting cycle, means for maintaining said relay energized at least until the character cutting cycle is completed, and means for maintaining said relay energized and said solenoid circuit broken thereby after completion of the character cutting cycle until said means for closing the circuit is released whereby character cutting recycling is prevented in the event said means for closing said circuit is jammed closed or is held closed.

HERBERT W. HEMPEL. WALTON C. MARSH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 296,974 Kimberly Apr. 15, 1884 414,399 Goodson Nov. 5, 1889 955,116 1 Duncan Apr. 12, 1910 1,367,991 Satterstrom Feb. 8, 1921 1,557,754 Chisholm Oct. 20, 1925 2,133,201 Krell Oct. 11, 1938 

